CSC Kidapawan Director Pays a Visit to USM President
March 12, 2025
Manuel Lisondra Achieves Rank 1 in Recognition Once Again; Reveals He Has No Particular Motivation
March 13, 2025
A total of 2,645 students from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) were recognized for their academic excellence during the 47th University Recognition Program on March 13, 2025, at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
These students earned awards for their outstanding academic performance during the first semester of 2024-2025 and the second semester of 2023-2024, with some receiving the distinction of College Scholar (CS) and University Scholar (US).
522 of them earned the title of University Scholars with GPAs 1.00-1.50, while 2,758 were named College Scholars with GPAs 1.51–1.75.
The College of Education (CED) led with 584 scholars, followed by the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) with 564. Other distinguished scholars came from the College of Business, Development, Economics, and Management (CBDEM) with 461, the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS) with 322, and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) with 241.
Additional scholars included 197 from the College of Agriculture (CA), 148 from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), 136 from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), 99 from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), 108 from the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (ISPEAR), 103 from the Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies (IMEAS), and 95 from the College of Trades and Industries (CTI).
USM’s external campuses also made their mark, with 204 scholars from USM-Palma, 10 from USM-Antipas, and 08 from USM-Mlang.
Topping this year’s list of honorees was Manuel L. Lisandra from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), who achieved an outstanding General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.088 for the second semester of 2023-2024 and 1.136 for the first semester of 2024-2025.
“The true measurement of success is not about reaching a certain finish line, but how far you are willing to move that line when you thought you could go no more.” He noted.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of cash incentives for scholars, a first in the university’s history. This surprise announcement by USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel was met with excitement and gratitude from students.
The Guest of Honor and Speaker, Hon. Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, Representative of the Third Congressional District of Cotabato, delivered a powerful message encouraging scholars to use their education as a tool for transformation. “Use your knowledge to teach others, think critically, ask the right questions, and fight for the truth,” she urged.
University officials, along with USM Vice Presidents, members of the administrative council, faculty, and staff attended the program.
